asked on 1/23/2009

Is the Windows 2008 Standard Server 32 bit product key also valid for the 64 bit edition?

We would like to buy a new Dell server with an OEM Windows 2008 Standard and would love to use to use the 64 bit version, but still have a few old applications that only run under 32 bit. Is it possible to buy the server with a 32 bit Windows 2008 now and use the same product key to install the 64 bit version of Windows 2008, once we have eliminated the old software? In other words, we don't want to buy the Windows 2008 license a second time just to switch from 32 to 64 bit. Is this possible?

Thanks a lot,
Thomas

Microsoft Server OS

Last Comment

Staudte

1/23/2009

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Toni Uranjek

1/23/2009

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Staudte

1/23/2009

ASKER

Hi Toniur,

thanks a lot for the superfast response - that was excactly what I wanted to hear :-) (The software we have here may actually be even only 16 bit... on a test 64bit system Windows refused to even start the setup program ...)

Staudte

1/23/2009

ASKER

Uuups, sorry, was a bit quick here... Are you certain that they the OEM server comes with _two_ keys, one for 32 and one for 64 bit? I have the OEM Box (purchased for another customer) of Windows 2008 Enterprise here - it has two DVDs (32/64 bit), but only one product key (plus one "virtual key"). Judging from this package, there's only one key for both versions...

Toni Uranjek

1/23/2009

It might be possible that for certain products there is no difference between 32 and 64 bit version keys. I have same keys for Vista Ultimate 32/64, but different for Windows 2008 Server. Either way, asker is allowed to use either 32 or 64 bit version and correct product keys (on or two) will be suppled by seller.

Staudte

1/23/2009

ASKER

Thanks a lot for the clarification.